Fable Legends Is Being Designed Using The ‘Games As Service’ Model

Lionhead Studios has revealed that its upcoming Xbox One title, Fable Legends, will be a bigger departure for the series than we originally thought. Unlike the three core games in the series, which premiered on Xbox and continued on Xbox 360, Legends is being developed as a platform rather than a traditional experience.

“That’s the nature of games as a service – you keep adding systems and features and content,” Lionhead studio chief John Needham told Edge. When asked about the game’s business model, Needham says that the business model hasn’t yet been discussed.”

This could mean free-to-play, subscription, or a traditional price point with extensive microtransactions. The concept marks a shift for the studio and the franchise.

For more on Fable Legends, check out our preview from Gamescom 2013. For more from John Needham, check out the Edge interview, which has more information on the design considerations being incorporated into Fable Legends.

Our TakeI really liked what I saw of Fable Legends at Gamescom, but I know my interest will nosedive in a free-to-play or subscription environment. A Defiance-like retail with a la carte add-ons might be a reasonable fit that won’t alienate those of us who know that there are really very few true “free” free-to-play experiences.